The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be holding a draw for an apprentice deer hunt on the Chimineas Unit of the Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve. The two-day hunt, which is being offered in cooperation with the California Deer Association (CDA), will be held on Sept. 17-18 on the 30,000-acre reserve in San Luis Obispo County.

Mandatory hunter orientation will be held in the evening on Sept. 16. Overnight lodging will be available at the main ranch house on the ecological reserve on Sept. 16 and 17.

Three apprentice hunters will be chosen by lottery. Selected apprentice hunters must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will receive classroom, range and field training in gun handling techniques and safety, deer hunting and game care. Hunts will be led by CDA volunteers. CDA will also provide breakfast, lunch and dinner on Sept. 17, as well as breakfast and lunch on Sept. 18.

Only one postcard may be submitted for each applicant. Applications must be received in the office by 5 p.m. on Aug. 12. Late or incomplete applications will not be entered in the drawing. Successful applicants will be notified by phone and will receive additional information, including maps and special regulations, prior to the hunt. Successful applicants will need to possess a valid A zone deer tag at the time of the hunt.